Spicy Coleslaw
A vibrant, spicy coleslaw with fresh vegetables and a tangy, flavorful dressing, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a zesty side dish for any casual meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cucumber, chopped tomatoes, chopped green pepper, and sliced green onion.
- Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine spicy vegetable juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, celery seed, pepper, and salt.
- Mix well to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Cover and chill for 2 hours.
- Stir before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider adding shredded carrots or bell peppers to the coleslaw mix. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spicy vegetable juice. For a vegan variation, substitute honey with agave syrup and ensure your vegetable juice is plant-based. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Coleslaw is perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or paired with Picnic Shoulder Ham for a hearty meal. Serve it alongside grilled meats, tacos, or even as a topping for sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a refreshing glass of Tootsie Reep Tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Avoid freezing as the vegetables may become soggy upon thawing. Simply give it a good stir before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Coleslaw contains roughly 53 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this coleslaw in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw a day ahead of time. Just be sure to keep it covered in the fridge. Chilling allows the flavors to blend beautifully. However, it’s best to add any additional crunchy toppings right before serving to keep them fresh.
What can I substitute for spicy vegetable juice?
If you don't have spicy vegetable juice, you can use regular vegetable juice and add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to achieve the desired heat. Alternatively, a mix of tomato juice with spices could work as well.
Is this coleslaw suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the spicy vegetable juice you use is also vegan. This dish is a great addition to any vegan recipes collection, offering a zesty and refreshing side.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).